Core Insights - The energy storage industry is experiencing a significant surge in demand, leading to a shortage of battery cells across various specifications, including 314Ah, 280Ah, and now even 100Ah cells [1][2] - The competition for talent in the energy storage sector has intensified, with companies offering high salaries to attract experienced professionals, reflecting a shift in market dynamics [3][4] - Despite the booming demand, the industry is facing internal competition and price wars, with some manufacturers still quoting prices that exceed the cost of the sought-after battery cells [1][2] Group 1: Talent Acquisition - The surge in demand for energy storage has led to a "talent grab," with companies offering salaries nearing $1 million for experienced roles in Europe [3][4] - Experienced professionals are being targeted by companies looking to expand their operations in overseas markets, but many firms lack the necessary infrastructure and project experience to capitalize on this demand [5][6] - The need for local teams to provide 24/7 support and installation guidance in Europe poses a significant challenge for smaller companies [11] Group 2: Order Surge - The first half of the year saw a dramatic increase in global energy storage demand, resulting in a wave of orders for Chinese energy storage companies, with new overseas orders exceeding 144GWh, a 436.27% increase year-on-year [8][7] - Major markets for these orders include the Middle East (33.95GWh), Australia (30.17GWh), and Europe (21.1GWh) [10] - However, smaller companies are struggling to secure orders, as larger firms dominate the market [10][14] Group 3: Supply Chain Challenges - The shortage of battery cells is causing significant challenges for second and third-tier energy storage manufacturers, with some unable to secure supplies even when willing to pay higher prices [14][17] - The rising cost of battery cells is impacting profit margins, with prices increasing by 3 cents per watt-hour, while market prices remain stagnant [17] - The industry is entering a phase of consolidation, where companies lacking technological advantages and scale may be forced out of the market [17][22] Group 4: Price Competition - The ongoing price war in the domestic market is leading to unsustainable practices, with about one-third of system integrators selling below cost [21] - This trend is expected to extend to international markets, potentially harming the industry's long-term health and innovation [22] - The industry faces a paradox where, despite high demand, irrational pricing strategies threaten profitability and market stability [23][24]

8月12日，第四届EESA储能展在上海举行。远景高级副总裁、远景储能总裁田庆军受邀 致辞。就当前储能行业"内卷"这一热门话题，田庆军指出，非理性价格竞争持续加剧，已对 产业链健康运行构成系统性风险。 "作为远景储能的管理者，我同时负责供应链、研发、市场营销和售后服务，对储能系 统的真实成本有着深刻了解。"田庆军指出，今年以来，国内外储能系统成交价持续下跌， 近乎"自由落体"。行业中有近三分之一的系统集成商以低于成本的价格销售，且这一比例仍 在上升，让人深感忧虑。 低于成本价销售必然导致劣币驱逐良币。这些低价成交项目未来可能出现三种情况：一 是不按照合同约定配置交付，偷工减料；二是采用劣质原材料（如低品质电芯）交付；三是 交付后因质量和服务问题影响电站效益。任何行业、任何企业都不可能在长期亏损的情况下 保证产品质量和可持续发展。因此，我呼吁全行业旗帜鲜明地反对恶性价格竞争。 田庆军认为，当前储能行业"内卷"的原因，与过去新能源强配储能政策密切相关。由于 强制配储往往流于形式，行业对储能产品的要求较低，拉低了行业准入门槛。加之资本大量 涌入，各类企业跨界涌入储能系统集成领域，造成产能严重过剩。目前全球储能年装机容 ...

Core Insights - The storage industry is facing a crisis due to aggressive price competition, leading to unsustainable practices and potential market issues [2][3] - The rapid growth of new energy storage installations is overshadowed by a significant drop in lithium battery storage prices, which have fallen nearly 80% over three years [3][4] - Companies are experiencing increased revenue but declining profits, indicating a troubling trend of "increased revenue without increased profit" [4] Industry Overview - As of mid-2025, the new energy storage installed capacity in China reached 94.91 million kilowatts, a 29% increase from the end of 2024 [2] - Lithium-ion batteries dominate the market, accounting for 96.4% of installed capacity, yet companies are struggling with profitability due to falling prices [3][4] - The average bidding price for lithium battery storage systems has decreased significantly, with a 47.82% drop year-on-year in 2024 [3] Market Dynamics - The influx of capital into the storage sector has led to a proliferation of low-quality projects, with many storage facilities being built but not utilized [3][4] - At least 15 storage capacity and power station projects have been terminated or delayed since 2025, involving investments exceeding 10 billion yuan [4] International Expansion - Chinese storage companies are increasingly pursuing overseas markets, with a 246% year-on-year growth in overseas orders in the first half of 2025 [5] - Despite the potential for international growth, many companies are facing similar pricing pressures abroad, leading to a lack of profitability [5] Regulatory Environment - The introduction of mandatory national standards for lithium batteries aims to stabilize the market and prevent below-cost bidding practices [8][9] - Industry associations are advocating for self-regulation to combat price wars and promote healthy competition [7][9] Future Outlook - The global energy storage capacity is projected to reach approximately 270 GW by 2026, indicating a growing market [7] - Companies are encouraged to innovate and diversify applications to enhance competitiveness and ensure sustainable growth [10]